If you are content to have your computer ruined, your files deleted, your personal information stolen and your software corrupted then you don't need anti-virus software. If you
object to having your computer wrecked and your time wasted then you had better crack out your credit card.
Anti-virus software is the single, most cost effective security you can get for your computer.
IMPORTANT - READ THIS BIT
There is one simple, golden rule for anti-virus software.
Never install two anti-virus products on the same computer. You will not get twice the protection and the chances are that your computer will simply freeze up and become inoperable.
Do I have an anti-virus installed already?
If you are unsure about whether you have an anti-virus solution installed then one simple way to check is (for Windows users) to click START, click
Control Panel and then click
Security Center. This will tell you which anti-virus software you have and whether or not it is up to date. If you do not have the Security Center icon then click
Add/Remove Programs instead and scroll down the list. Any anti-virus program should be listed. If you are still unsure then ask someone who should know or call GemBiz on the number at the top of this page.
Recommended Software
The golden rule is "Buy big". There are lots of small companies producing good anti-virus products, but the bigger companies tend to get updates out very fast and with viruses speed is everything. Many companies produce full "Internet Security Suites" but some of these include many extra products which you may not need. If possible, just buy the anti-virus unless you need the other products too. The cheapest software on the market is AVG's Free Edition. Like the name suggests it costs nothing and is intended for personal (home) use only. The downside is that it does not update as easily as a paid version and since AVG's paid version is a miserly £20 or so for 2 years it really makes no sense to use the free version. Other well known products are those from MacAffee, Symantec (aka Norton) and Sophos. These typically retail at £40 to £50 for 12 months.
Using your software
Once the software is installed on your computer there are two immediate tasks you should carry out:
- Get the lastest updates - this should happen automatically as part of the installation.
- Scan your computer for any viruses
Once these tasks are complete, keep the software up to date and do not let your subscriptions lapse. Most of these packages will cost less than £1 per week but a major infection on a computer will cost hundreds to fix and important files and data may be lost forever.
